DT1: Dorchester police thank the community for assistance during the bad weather

At least some normality returned to the weather this week with river levels in most areas starting to fall.

Emergency services have been under great pressure in the last few weeks but I am also aware of the fantastic help we have received from the local community, writes Inspector Steve Marsh of Dorchester police section.

On many occasions when roads have been blocked by fallen trees we have received offers of help from landowners and passing motorists who have the skills and equipment to help cut and clear the trees concerned so that road delays are kept to a minimum.

I would like to thank anyone who has provided such help over the last few weeks and also the majority of the public who have patiently endured some frustrating road closures and delays. Such closures are only put in place when absolutely necessary.

Shoplifting and commercial burglary remains to be an issue in the town, although we are very successful at identifying those who steal from stores.

Many are persistent offenders and simply continue offending despite regular attendance at court.

An overnight burglary took place on the Railway Triangle Industrial Estate over the weekend with entry gained by smashing a glass panel on a door.

Cash was then taken from the premises.

A few days before that we also had a car set on fire very close to the A35 at Monkeys Jump.

The driver had broken down and secured his vehicle only to discover later that it had been damaged and then set on fire.

We would be keen to hear from anyone who might have information about either crime.

We are still experiencing falls in domestic burglary, theft from vehicles and we have had some recent success regarding thefts from sheds.